Cocurricular Activities

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
TRIPS
INTERCAMBIO PROGRAM
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
INTERNSHIPS
VOLUNTEERING

 

SAIIE strongly promotes the cocurriccular activities, because it’s a great tool for students to learn and immerse themselves into the Spanish culture. Through these activities students will be able to find out more about the city, Spanish customs, culture, language, food, etc, which will complement their education in class. 

 


CULTURAL ACTIVITIES 

Throughout the term, the school will organize activities in the evening.

 



TRIPS

We are very flexible with all the activities and will change them to meet the needs of our students.

Some of these trips could include the following:

Day trips:

Ronda

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As one of the oldest towns in Spain you'll find history around every corner in Ronda. There are traces of Ronda's origins from the Neolithic age, through the era of the Romans, the Arab age and the conquest of the ancient city by the Catholic Monarchs in 1485 through to the 19th century when Ronda was best known for the banditry in the surrounding hills and the origins of bullfighting in the Ronda bullring which still stands.

Click here  to view more photos of Ronda!

 

 

 

Aracena

 

 

Aracena is a small town located in the province of Huelva. The historic quarter, declared a Cultural Object, and the grotto of Maravillas are the main attractions.

The first thing we see as we approach the town, is an Almohad tower that bore for almost two hundred years the standard of the Templar Knights. The city centre has numerous interesting monuments, such as the castle and church of the Templar Knigths, from the 13th and 14th centuries; the Renaissance church of Asunción, from the 16th century; the old City Hall, a medieval building with a 16th-century main front; and the Gothic church of Nuestra Señora del Mayor Dolor, from the 13th and 15th centuries, the oldest in Aracena. However, the most interesting of all is the grotto of Maravillas, with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, which at 1,500 metres is one of the longest caves in Spain. Inside the grotto we find twelve halls and six lakes.

Córdoba

 

 

In Roman times, Córdoba had more cultural buildings than Rome. It was the capital of the province of Hispania Baetica. Remains of the Roman Temple built by Claudius Marcellus, the Roman Bridge and other Roman remains can still be seen around the city.

Córdoba was conquered by the Moors in 711, and Moorish influence can still be felt in the city. During the time of Islamic rule, Córdoba was the largest city and embodied the most sophisticated culture and the most developed bureaucracy in Europe.

The most important monument in the city is the former Mosque (the 3rd largest mosque in the world), known by its Spanish name, Mezquita. After the conquest, the Christians built a cathedral in the middle of this large complex, so it is now two sacred sites in one.

Córdoba was recovered from Muslim invaders by Christian forces as part of the Reconquista in 1236, and became a centre of activity against the remaining Islamic population. Surviving Renaissance monuments in Córdoba include the Palacio de Viana, the city's Ducal Palace.

Click here to view more photos of Córdoba!

Gibraltar

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Located in the most Southern point of Spain, the rock of Gibraltar occupies a strategic position at the eastern entrance to the narrow straight and guards the only exit from the Mediterranean to the wide ocean beyond. Gibraltar has been in the historical limelight for over 3,000 years.

It was during the capture of Gibraltar by the Castillians (1309-1333) that the streets of the lower town were constructed and Gibraltar became a substancial city.

Gibraltar became a British garrison in 1830 (During the War of the Spanish Succession) and was declared a colony. Since then Britain and Spain have have had many disputes over the territory.

Among its many tourist attractions one of the main ones is to visit the monkeys on the rock. Nobody knows how the famous tailless Macaques came to be on the Rock.

Click here  to view more photos of Gibraltar!

 

Itálica and Archeological Museum

 

Itálica


Founded by General Publius Cornelius Scipio (he was later known as Scipio Africanus) in 206 BC next to a Turdentian settlement, 7 kilometers from Seville, It demonstrates wonderful examples of Roman architecture, mosaic work and city layouts. Italica was one of the first Roman towns in Spain. Called Italica in remembrance of Italy. Originally it was simply a hospital and a small military base designed to house the wounded veterans of the war with the Carthaginians led by Hannibal and was built after the battle of Ilipa (Alcala del Rio), but it soon developed into an important port and in the first century AD give birth first to Trajan and then Hadrian (though some accounts say Trajan was really born in Rome). Hadrian took particular pride in his native town and embellished it with many of the buildings that are to be seen today.

Archeological Museum

One of the best museums of its kind in Spain, located in the Maria Luisa Park and originally built as part of the 1929 exhibition. The focus is on the Romans, but there is also a prehistorical section which includes the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. Later, the Phoenicians, the Greeks and the Carthaginians all traded and settled in what is now the province of Seville.

Be sure not to miss the Carambolo Treasure located in the section of the Phoenician colonisation. In 1958, workmen digging foundations for a new sports club found twenty one pieces of gold jewellery, including a necklace, bracelets and pieces from a crown dating from the 6th century. In the design, there are clear connections with the Orient, raising questions about who these people were who were the inhabitants of Andalucia all those thousands of years ago.

The basement here houses Paleothic artifacts and items, such as copies of the remarkable Tartessian Carambolo treasures. This hoard of 6th century BC gold jewellery was discovered near Seville in 1958.

The main galleries are upstairs and are devoted to the Roman era with statues and fragments rescued from the nearby ancient site of Italica. Highlights include a third century BC mosaic from Ecija and sculptures of local born emperors, Trajan and Hadrian. The rooms continue to Moorish Spain via Palaeo-Christian sarucophagi. Visigothic relics and artifacts discovered at Medina Azahara.

Click here  to view more photos of Itálica and click here  for Archeological Museum! 

Jerez

 

 

Spend the day in a unique town where we will take you to the one of the most famous wineries we have in Spain, González Byass. Learn the process of how they make sherry wine and its history.

González Byass is one of Spain's most well-known sherry bodega. Its origins can be traced to 1835 when the business was started by Manuel María González Angel, who was subsequently joined by his English agent, Robert Blake Byass. The González family assumed sole control of the business in 1988. The firm produces the world known sherry Tío Pepe.

Not only was the Gonzalez family at the forefront of sherry winemaking, they’ve also participated in the introduction of the polo game in Spain, the first grass tennis court, the installation of the first electric lighting and running water in the plant, the first train project in Spain as well as numerous other industrial and cultural innovations.

 

Cádiz (Beach trip)

 

 

Cádiz is the oldest continuously-inhabited city in Spain and one of the oldest in southwestern Europe. The “Tacita de Plata” was founded in 1100 B.C. by the Phoenicians, a seafaring people who turned Gadir into an important trading colony where the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Visigoths and the Muslims would all subsequently settle. An open, cosmopolitan city, it sport was chosen by Columbus as the point of departure for his second voyage to the New World. The city would then become, after the decline of Seville, the port to The Indies, drawing the flow of trade with the American Continent. This frantic commercial activity then brought about an era of economic, cultural splendour, when Baroque palaces with their characteristic towers offering amazing views were built.

Havana is Cadiz! A stroll along the Cadiz sea front, from La Caleta to the Campo del Sur, will remind the visitor of the image of the avenue the Malecón in Havana, as there are many similarities between Cadiz and Latin American cities, thanks to the constant flow of people travelling between Cadiz and the New World. The cathedral in Cadiz is a good example of this influence, as are several of the manor houses and the towers with their views which grew up in the midst of old Cadiz’s cityscape during the expansion into America.

Weekend Trips: 

Madrid

 

The capital of Spain, located in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula and right in the center of the country, with a population of over three million people, and the home of the Spanish Royal Family.

Madrid, originally called Mayrit, was founded by the emir of Córdoba Muhammad at the end of the 9th century. During the Reconquest of Spain by the Christians, Madrid passed from Muslim to Christian hands several times, it was the origin of the mixture of cultures which characterizes the city still today.

The present location of Madrid, in the centre of Spain, was established by the king Alfonso I in 1083. 

What remains today of the distant past are mainly Baroque and Neoclassical structures, and buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries, such as “Plaza Mayor”and “Palacio Real"

Lisbon

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The capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History. The Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisbon.

Once the launch pad for many of the voyages of discovery (notablyVasco da Gama's epic journey to India), Lisbon was the first true world city, the capital of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America (Brazil) to Asia (Macao, China; Goa, India). It is forever known as the city of the explorers

Morocco

   

 

In Morocco, we will be visiting the cities of Tangier, Asilah, and Chefchaouen.

Tangier is a city in northern Morocco. It lies on the North African coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean of Cape Spartel.

Asilah is a fortified town on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Its ramparts and gateworks remain fully intact. Its history dates back to 1500 B.C., when the Phoenicians used it as a base for trade. This town has been occupied since than by the Portuguese (1471), the Spaniards (1912), and now the Morrocans.

Chefchaouen is a city in northwest Morocco. It is the chief twon of the province of the same name, and is noted for its buildings in shades of blue. The city was founded in 1471, as a small fortress which still exists to this day, by Moorish exiles from Spain to fight the Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco. In 1920, the Spanish seized Chefchaouen. Spain returned the city after the independence of Morocco in 1956

Granada

Granada is situated in the eastern part of the region of Andalusia. Its unique history has bestowed it with an artistic grandeur embracing Moorish palaces and Christian Renaissance treasures. As the last Moorish capital on the Iberian Peninsula, it also holds great symbolic value.

The Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, is in Granada. It is the most renowned building of the Andalusian Islamic historical legacy with its many cultural attractions that make Granada a popular destination among the touristic cities of Spain.

The Almohad influence on architecture is preserved in the area of the city called the Albaicin with its fine examples of Moorish and Morisco construction.

Granada is also well known for the Sierra Nevada Mountains where you can ski. This is Europe’s most southerly ski resort and it is small in comparison to other European resorts.

 

Lagos

 

 

Lagos is located in Southern Portugal in the region of Algarve and has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. This will be a great ooprtunitty to spend a relaxing weekend on the beach. The area offers many exciting activities such as surfing, biking, sailing, etc…

 

 

 

 

INTERCAMBIO PROGRAM

Intercambio5

We offer a language exchange service, the “intercambio program”. Students interested please contact the director, Ms. Samantha Chipres.   

 

SPORTS ACTIVITIES
The crew

Students at SAIIE will have access to a gym in Seville for a minimal fee.  

We also offer an athletic program for student-athletes who are participating in a varsity sport back home at their universities. To learn more about these athletic programs, please visit our athletic site here.

 

INTERNSHIPS 

Students participating in the SAIIE program have the option through their study abroad experience to participate in an internship at a local Spanish company.

To learn more about this program please visit our website here  

 

 
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITTIES

Students at SAIIE will have the chance to participate in volunteering opportunities at Padres Blancos. Padres Blancos School is a private catholic institution in Seville, well reputed for its education, faculty, facilities, and resources. 

What ages/grades are served?
Kindergarden (ages 3 to 6)
Primary (ages 6 to 11) 
Secondary (called ESO) (ages 11 to 16)
High School (called Bachillerato) (ages 16 to 18)

When are they in session?
Padres Blancos’ academic year starts the second week of September and lasts until mid-June, with examination weeks in late-June and early-September for any students that fall behind.

What is the difference between high school in the U.S. and high school in Spain?
High schools are very strict in Spain. The curriculum tends to be broader and more difficult. This is because Spanish students must take special exams before entering university. Depending upon their grades, they can access the field of study they want or may be forced to choose another career. These exams are called “examenes de selectividad”. The level of difficulty is extremely high, especially at a school like Padres Blanco.

What types of volunteering opportunities are available at Padres Blancos?
In the past, our students have assisted in English classes; looked after kids during lunch breaks; practiced and played soccer, basketball and volleyball with the student teams; and joined painting, dancing, and theatre groups. Students can also join spiritual groups or participate in service work.

Are there any prerequisites skills needed?
No specific skills are required.  However, students must be willing to help and make a commitment.

Is there a language requirement?
Even though it is recommended you speak a little Spanish, it is not required. However, you should be eager to learn.

Who will the students be working with?
Depending upon the activities chosen, students will work with faculty and/or coaches at Padres Blancos and the program coordinator at the Spanish-American Institute of International Education(SAIIE).

What is the typical time commitment for each opportunity?
It depends upon the student and their schedule, but most students volunteer a minimum of one day per week for 2 ½ hours.

Can I receive academic credit for the experience?
At the moment, academic credit is not available through the SAIIE nor the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, however we hope to have a credit-bearing experience available in the near future.

How can I learn more?
Contact SAIIE in Seville at +34. 954 22 23 04 or email the Program Director, Ms. Samantha Chipres, at  samanthac@saiie.com 

 

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